Scientists say young female whale found dead on Crystal Coast after swallowing balloon

MOREHEAD CITY, N.C. (WITN) - Scientists say a Gervais’ beaked whale was found dead on the Crystal Coast after swallowing a balloon.

The NC State Center for Marine Sciences and Technology, also known as CMAST, says the young, nearly 11-foot whale was discovered on October 30th in shallow water in Emerald Isle.

A necropsy discovered a pentagonal plastic balloon crumpled up and obstructing the female’s gastrointestinal tract. The examination also showed that it was likely a nursing calf.

CMAST says beaked whales are large, deep-diving mammals, and live sightings are unusual because they live at the continental shelf and beyond.

Scientists urge people wanting to commemorate important life events to use biodegradable alternatives, light a candle, or scatter flower petals instead.

NC State says if balloons are bought, make sure they are disposed of properly. “This can avoid them getting ‘loose’ and posing an unnecessary and tragic danger, causing wildlife to starve and perish over time, as in the case of this unfortunate Gervais’ beaked whale,” said CMAST.